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February 04, 2019

February Rebirth

Some of you know how precious the Remedios Varo painting "Nacer de Nuevo" has been to me since I was a teenager. I've waxed ecstatic about it many times over in various places, so I'll just say once more that this piece has affected me in profound ways, and is one of the skeleton keys to my psyche. So you can imagine how meaningful it was for me to get to view a never-before-displayed preliminary sketch for it at the "Adictos a Remedios Varo" exhibition at Mexico City's Museo de Arte Moderno last month. The show overall was astounding, and filled with many of her paintings, drawings, and sketches, let alone photographs, beloved objects from her personal collection, and books from her library. But seeing this one little drawing in particular was a highlight. A reminder that a humble idea can turn into a fully-fleshed out work, and once in a while, a masterpiece.

It was also amazing timing, as I was doing my final edits on my book while I was there, and just so happened to be putting finishing touches on my art witch chapter, which has a ton of Varo and Leonora Carrington in it. While it wasn't easy having to write on what was supposed to be a vacation / research trip, I can think of no better place to finish that chapter than in the very city where these image sorceresses lived.

Anyhow, it's been far too long since I've posted here. Writing this book has been more difficult and time-consuming and emotionally challenging than I imagined. And yet it is now, finally DONE. I know it will never be perfect, but I can let myself say that I am really really proud of it, and put so much heart and work into it, and I hope very much that you will enjoy reading it. I received galleys last week, and it's wild and wonderful to hold it in my hands. If you, too, would like to read "Waking the Witch: Reflections on Women, Magic, and Power," it will be out on June 4, 2019, and it is available for pre-order now. Pre-orders are a huge help, so I thank you for considering doing so. But regardless, I hope that if and whenever you do read it, you find something in it which stirs and sparks you.

With that personal preamble out of the way, onto some delectable, fantastical bits and bobs:

In more Varo news, I've been enjoying the new Vessel album "Queen of Golden Dogs," which not only has a Varo painting as its cover, but a song is dedicated to her as well.

On a related note, on March 20th I'll be giving an illustrated lecture called "Remedios Varo: Bruja with a Brush" for Morbid Anatomy at NYC's Hauser & Wirth gallery. More details soon.

I also write about Rider-Waite (or "Smith-Waite" as it's now rightly called) tarot illustrator, Pamela Colman Smith, in my book. So you can imagine I am very excited to see the "Pamela Colman Smith: Life and Work" exhibition up now at Pratt Institute through April 4th. (You have the new "Pamela Colman Smith: The Untold Story" book already, yes? It is huge and chock full of images and info.)

The Tate Modern will be hosting a Dorothea Tanning retrospective from February 27th through June 9th, and it will have 100 of her works - the first of such exhibitions in 25 years. I am hoping so very much I'll be able to see it. (I realize I say that every time something tremendous like this happens in the UK, but I am always sincere.)

There will be an Alejandro Jodorowsky retrospective at NYC's El Museo del Barrio from February 28th through May 12th. It will include "an array of visual, literary, archival, and filmic material drawn largely from the artist’s personal archives," and there will be screenings and events including tarot readings from the man himself. EDIT: I just learned this exhibition was cancelled. Apologies!

Who doesn't want to watch a short film of Kenneth Anger swanning around Chateau Marmont, directed by Floria Sigismondi?

I know there's far more than this going on, but I must leave now this Houston hotel room where I'm currently staying and begin my day. Still swooning over yesterday's visits to the Rothko Chapel and Menil Collection, two places I've dreamed about visiting for years. They are very strict about photos, so here's that Tilda Swinton / Tim Walker shoot at both locations to help you visualize.